Collection Development Guidelines

Physics and Astronomy

 

Liaison

Ken Ryan

Program Description

The Department of Physics and Astronomy offers B.S., B.A. and M.S. degrees in physics.  The B.A. degree provides a program appropriate for students interested in careers in teaching, public service, science journalism and business.  The B.S. program can be used for preparation for graduate work or as a qualifying degree for professional employment.  Selection of astronomy electives qualifies the student for graduate work in that field.  A Minor in Physics is also available for students in other fields.  The Department participates in the interdisciplinary B.S. in Natural Science program which satisfies the subject matter requirements for the Single Subject credential in Science.  Holders of the Single Subject teaching credential in another subject may supplement that credential with an authorization in physics for teaching physics at any grade up through grade 12.  A large service course component provides significant enrollments in several lower division General Education courses (ASTR 151, ASTR 157, ASTR 161, PHYS 156, PHYS 157).  In addition, numerous science and engineering curriculums require significant coursework in the Department.

Subject Parameters & Collection Levels
 
Acoustics Advanced Basic
Astronomy Advanced Basic
Astrophysics Advanced Basic
Atomic Physics Advanced Basic
Celestial Mechanics Advanced Basic
Cosmology Advanced Basic
Electricity / Magnetism Advanced Basic
Geophysics Advanced Basic
Heat / Thermodynamics Advanced Basic
Medical Physics / Nuclear Medicine Advanced Basic
Meteorology / Climatology Advanced Basic
Molecular Physics Advanced Basic
Nuclear / Particle Physics Advanced Basic
Optics / Light Advanced Basic
Quantum Theory Advanced Basic
Relativity Advanced Basic
Solid State Physics Advanced Basic

Primary LC Classes

QB (astronomy), QC (physics)

Related LC Classes

R 895-920

Chronological Coverage

Emphasis is on contemporary materials to support the curriculum.  Some historical material is selected which illustrates the development of the individual areas of physics and astronomy, e.g., history of cosmological theories, history of relativity and quantum physics, etc.

Geographical Coverage

Coverage is at all academic levels, as applicable.  In the areas of meteorology and climatology, emphasis is on the United States; however, global perspectives as well are emphasized here, especially as they relate to climate changes (i.e., “global warming).

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